What is the term for any substance that can alter feelings, moods, or perceptions?

The term that describes any substance capable of altering feelings, moods, or perceptions is psychoactive drugs. These substances impact the central nervous system and can influence mental processes, leading to changes in awareness, emotions, cognition, and behavior. Psychoactive drugs can include a wide array of substances, ranging from legal medications like antidepressants to recreational drugs such as alcohol, cannabis, and various hallucinogens.

Stimulants, antidepressants, and opioids are specific categories of psychoactive drugs but do not encompass the entire range of substances that can alter mental states. Stimulants specifically increase alertness and energy, while antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders, and opioids primarily focus on pain relief and can produce euphoric feelings. However, psychoactive drugs as a broader category includes a greater variety of substances that can lead to changes in mental perception and emotional state, making it the most encompassing and accurate answer for the question.